Ru`mi*na"tion (?), n. [L. ruminatio: cf. F. rumination.]

1.

The act or process of ruminating, or chewing the cud; the habit of chewing the cud.

Rumination is given to animals to enable them at once to lay up a great store of food, and afterward to chew it. Arbuthnot.

2.

The state of being disposed to ruminate or ponder; deliberate meditation or reflection.

Retiring full of rumination sad. Thomson.

3. Physiol.

The regurgitation of food from the stomach after it has been swallowed, -- occasionally oberved as a morbid phenomenon in man.

 

© Webster 1913.